This is the story of the not-so-easy way to prepare for a first marathon, from the life experience of a personal trainer, who is about to do her 30th on her 30th birthday.

Six years ago, Tori Hartmann was just a biochemistry major at Wisconsin Lutheran College who decided to go out for a run once in a while to burn off some stress. The problem was she didn’t have a fitness watch with a GPS.

So when she thought she ran 3 miles – it was actually only one. And when she thought her long training run was 13 – it was really just seven. In her mind, she was doing the adequate training for her first marathon, but it was, in reality, not close to the 20-week training plan that called for longer distances.

By the time Hartmann finished her first Brewers Half Marathon that year in 2 hours and 43 minutes, looking somewhat spent, or “like junk,” as she put it, her husband, Paul, couldn’t help but say: “You’re really going to be able to run a marathon in two weeks?”

To which Hartmann replied:

“Yep. Totally. I’m going to run 30 marathons before I turn 30.”

Sure enough, two weeks later, Hartmann finished the Lakefront Marathon in 5 hours and 45 minutes. She was so drained that she could only take a few steps at a time before needing to rest on the ground – repeating this all the way on the long journey from the finish line to her car.

“My longest training run had been that 13-mile half marathon,” said Hartmann. “It wasn’t exactly the proper buildup for a marathon.”

But it was enough to get the ball rolling. She did another half a few weeks later and kept running. Since that start in 2012, Hartmann has run 30 half marathons and 26 marathons, all but two of them in Wisconsin – from the Dances with Dirt Devil’s Lake to the North Face Endurance Challenge. The 30 by 30 line became sort of a gentle teasing joke with her family and friends, but it also became a personal mantra.

Now the personal trainer at The Body Boutique in Brookfield, fitness blogger at Fit Hart and mom to a 3-year-old, will run her 27th marathon at North Face Sept. 15; her 28th at Lakefront on Oct. 7; and her 29th at Madison Marathon Nov. 11.

And then Hartmann will run her 30th, the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach, on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2019 – which is also her 30th birthday.

A dedicated cross trainer with CrossFit, as well as a natural and non-natural physique competitor, Hartmann has maintained her love for running. And her times have dropped significantly. She can run a 1:53 half marathon and a 4:20 marathon for PRs.

Here’s a little running advice from Hartmann:

Favorite local race: My favorite race of all time has to be Dance with Dirt in Baraboo. The views are breathtaking and although the course may be challenging, it's worth it!!!

Best first marathon: If you’re going to do your first marathon, I would suggest Lakefront, it's a flat course. The race is well supported by the community, so you'll feel energy, especially down Lake Drive. Also, its capped at a small number of participants so you don't feel like you have people running over you.

Buildup plan: I've learned through the years of never increasing mileage by more than 20% at a time, and building up to 22 miles for my long run before a marathon. Also, I take a two week taper.

Shoes: I enjoy going to Performance Running Outfitters to purchase my shoes. They have a friendly, educated staff.

Advice for new runners:

1) Stick to the plan. Always see it through on the rough days. When the days feel easy, know that it's because you pushed through the hard ones.

2) Get involved. It might seem intimidating at first, but join running groups, groups at local running stores, or Facebook groups (Moms Run This Town or Oislle). Some programs like Hanson's have groups as well.

3) Ask questions. The only way you’re going to learn is by asking lots of questions.

4) Trust your body. If something doesn't feel right, go get help. For example, if after every long run you wake up with low back pain, go see your doctor. Don't ignore your body signals.

5) Try something new. If you've done a few charity 5Ks, sign up for a trail race. How will you find your niche if you never explore your possibilities?